Match Program

For Match Program referrals, you must call the LRS office to qualify. Call 512-472-8303 (in Austin) or toll free 866-303-8303. The lawyers who participate on the Match Program are not listed on this web site. These referrals will not be made on-line.

The Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas administers the Match Program. The program is an effort to provide reduced-fee legal services to those with a modest income who may not be able to afford regular attorney fees. The Match Program is currently available for family law matters, guardianship cases, and the drafting of simple wills.

We do not provide free legal services.

Match Program attorneys are private-practicing attorneys who have agreed to consider accepting Match Program referrals at a reduced rate.

QUALIFYING FOR THE MATCH PROGRAM

A Lawyer Referral Service intake counselor will screen you to determine if you qualify under the income guidelines and to explain the legal fees involved. The attorney may further screen you during the initial consultation or meeting. The attorney is under no obligation to accept your case, and you have no obligation to hire him/her to represent you.

The Lawyer Referral Service makes one referral at a time. If the first attorney is unable to assist you, please call LRS back to receive an additional referral. As a rule, LRS makes no more than three referrals on a given case.

CONSULTATION FEE

There is a $20.00 consultation fee for the first 30 minutes of your appointment with the attorney. The consultation time is for evaluating your case and meeting with the attorney. The attorney donates this $20.00 back to the Lawyer Referral Service for operating expenses. You may make out the check to the attorney or directly to the Lawyer Referral Service.

ATTORNEY FEES

Match Program attorneys charge a reduced fee. If you decide to hire the attorney to represent you, he/she will probably require a retainer fee or deposit in advance. The retainer fee is a deposit that the attorney requests in order to begin working on your case. The amount of the retainer fee will depend on the complexity of your case. Please request that the attorney provide you with a written fee agreement before starting work on you case.

QUESTIONS

It is a good idea to write down your questions so that you can ask them of the attorney all at once. Remember you are paying by the hour! Any questions involving your case should be directed to your attorney.

If you have any questions regarding the Match Program policies and administration, please call the Lawyer Referral Service at 512-472-8303. These referrals cannot be made without screening through the LRS office. Match Program referrals cannot be made through this site.